Dear family, colleagues and friends,

Today, after two intensive years, I completed and graduated from the MediPIET program, led by ECDC based in Stockholm, Sweden. This program is designed for field epidemiology and its curriculum is accredited by all the most prominent epidemiology institutions in the world. From September 2021 until today, working non-stop, I finally managed to defend my final scientific paper and in front of my friends, professors and other participants, to present my achievements and my beautiful country. Unfortunately, the ceremony was planned to be organized in Spain, where due to the problems with not being allowed to enter that country, even though I have a 3-year Schengen visa, I could not be there physically, but I defended my work online. It was painful, not having celebration with the people I worked with for two years, but the nice thing was that I we agreed to meet in Stockholm for our “last” party.

I achieved this success thanks to the immense help of my supervisors at the National Institute of Public Health, Professor Ariana and Doctor Pranvera. A thankful note to professor Naser Ramadani, for supporting me in this journey. The people who became my inspiration for the future were also the scientific mentors and coordinators, Kostas Danis and Liese von Gompel, who guided me for two years towards knowledge and professional advancement in the field of epidemiology and biostatistics. Thanks to colleagues from WHO, ECDC and Epiconcept.

The people I have to thank are countless, because my successes bear my name, but least of all they belong to me. Epidemiology, like all medicine, is a discipline that requires teamwork. I have been very lucky to have such a team of supporters throughout my career!

Love to all – but especially to my wife, the daughter I am waiting for, my mother and father, who are my strength and motivation.

Best of health,

Besfort